Sochi, Russia

07 February 2014

Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with the President of Ukraine

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General met today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Victor Yanukovych, ahead of the opening ceremony for the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

The President briefed the Secretary-General at length on the genesis of the crisis and recent developments.

The Secretary-General thanked the President for receiving his Special Envoy, Mr. Robert Serry, whom he dispatched to convey his interest and concern in developments and to express the UN's solidarity with Ukrainians.

The Secretary-General reiterated the urgency of ending the political crisis through dialogue and the need to prevent further violence. He said the United Nations stood ready to provide technical assistance if requested by both sides.